Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter

About

Cave Mountain Lake Group Picnic Shelter provides a shaded gathering space for groups visiting the Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area in Virginia's Jefferson National Forest. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the area centers on a scenic seven-acre lake surrounded by forested Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. The shelter accommodates up to 50 people and includes electricity for lights and small appliances, a fireplace, eight picnic tables under the roof with additional tables nearby, a double pedestal grill, and trash receptacles. A drinking fountain with spigot provides potable water. Flush toilets and showers are available at the beach bathhouse, reached via a short walk across a footbridge. The adjacent lake offers a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. The Panther Knob Trail begins beside the shelter and skirts the lake to the dam. Youth fishing (ages 15 and under) is permitted April 1 through June 15; after that date, all anglers with a valid Virginia license may fish. No boats or watercraft are allowed on the lake. Historic Lexington and Natural Bridge State Park are short drives away.

Directions

From I-81 North, take Exit 175 south of Natural Bridge. Turn left onto US Highway 11 toward Natural Bridge. At the Natural Bridge parking lot, turn right onto Route 130 East. Continue approximately 4 miles to Natural Bridge Station. Turn right onto State Route 759 for about 3 miles, then turn right onto State Route 781. The Cave Mountain Lake entrance is 1.6 miles ahead on the left. Park in the day-use area; the shelter is across a footbridge to the right of the main path to the lake.